Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in upper gastrointestinal tract disorders (dyspepsia) patients visiting outpatient department of a hospital of North India.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major health ailment in developing countries. The infection is related with high morbidity and mortality ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric malignancies. The prevalence of H. pylori infection greatly varies from country to country and region to region. The aim is to study the prevalence of H. pylori infection in upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders (dyspepsia) patients. METHODS: The study was carried out in an outpatient department, India. Patients presenting with dyspeptic symptoms were subjected to serological investigation and upper GI endoscopy, histopathological examination, and rapid urease test of specimen. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made if one or both diagnostic test results were positive. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 85% of patients. There was no significant difference in sex- and age-related distribution (<50 years' age group and >50 years' age group) of H. pylori infection. However, association of H. pylori infection was positive in 83.3% (45) of patients with endoscopic abnormalities (54). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is high in the study population. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential for prevention of serious complications.

Risk of atypical femoral fracture with long-term use of alendronate (bisphosphonates) : a systemic review of literature.

Several recent reports have described "atypical" fractures of the subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral shaft that occur with minimal or no trauma, associated with the use of bisphosphonates. Physicians treating bone diseases with bisphosphonate need, therefore, to be aware of this potential risk and plan the prophylaxis, early diagnosis and prevention of potential consequences. We review the literature on this newly described complication, with particular focus on pathogenesis, preventive measures suggested before and during therapy with bisphosphonates, and the most frequent clinical presentation of these lesions. The recommendations for the management and care of patients who are on long-term use of alendronate (bisphosphonates) are summarized.